Dakota and Welch left the tent early the next morning, while it was still dark. The wind had changed direction during the night and was blowing warm air from the southwest. Although no clouds were present, only the brightest stars pierced the sullied atmosphere. The half moon glowed with a dim light above the western horizon.
The colonel led them to the west edge of the colony, where two men stood with three horses. Dakota wondered if the emaciated beasts would be able to make a long, perilous journey, but the horses seemed to be in good spirits, as if eager to do some work.
Crude wagons had been constructed and were hitched to the back of each one. Several armed men and women, the colonel’s military squad, stood next to them. At Welch’s instructions, the two men climbed onto the horses
